training-wheels saw purchase?

[snowleopard]

Hi folks,

Saw a CL chainsaw described as `aged, but you can still get parts', a Stihl 024 w/16" bar. Not looking for a big-guy saw, because I am neither. Any thoughts on this for a first (and maybe only) chainsaw? They were asking $150.

Thanks.

 

[gzecc]

Depends on condition. Could be worth it. I paid 175 for a 290 in very good condition.

 

[snowleopard]

THanks. My question is not only about price, but its merit as a starter saw: ease of use, suitability for a sawyer of smaller stature, noobie-friendly?

 

[smokinj]

THanks. My question is not only about price, but its merit as a starter saw: ease of use, suitability for a sawyer of smaller stature, noobie-friendly?

75.00 unless its perfect!

 

[snowleopard]

Thanks gents.

They started it at $200, so I don't know how much they'll flex. What do you think of that saw?

 

[bogydave]

If it is going to be your first saw. Think about a new one with a manual. Unless you like tinkering with small engines
to get it running good. Old saw can get cantankerous like old owners IE.> Mine is old, I know it''s quarks but a buddy borrowed
it & barely got it started & it kept dying on him.
If you have a bad experience with it, no warrantee, you may end up putting money in it right away & older parts aren't cheap.
Some decent buys out there for new mid range 16" huskys, & stihls.
Just a thought.
Mine aged with me for 30 years & I'm finally thinking about upgrading. Parts getting harder to find & expensive. Still runs good for me though.
*
I'm a buy new guy , run the heck out of it under warranty, treat it like you own it, service it frequently it should last many years.
*
I think a beginner's saw should be good one, then you can concentrate on learning to operate it safely.
*
A use saw may end up being a good one. Just a gamble.
Just IMO

 

[holland_patrick]

Pic's of said saw or link to ad?

 

[CountryBoy19]

THanks. My question is not only about price, but its merit as a starter saw: ease of use, suitability for a sawyer of smaller stature, noobie-friendly?

75.00 unless its perfect!

I agree. If this is a "starter saw" then you're likely to not recognize some of the problems the saw could have. Unless it is a new, ununsed 024 I would pass for $150. Also, IIRC, some of the parts on the 024 are NLA, so if it does have a problem that you don't catch you're looking at buying used parts from a chainsaw junkyard.

 

[smokinj]

Thanks gents.

They started it at $200, so I don't know how much they'll flex. What do you think of that saw?

200.00 for an 024 is crazy! Even mint........

 

[Danno77]

150 is for a mint condition 024. a very nice looking one could be 125. Otherwise I'd offer him 75-100 if it runs well but looks pretty worn.

 

[simple1]

If you are looking for a Stihl, you can probably get an MS180 for about that price, brand new. It is a lightweight easy saw and is nice for cleanup, limbing, and smaller (less than 10") logs. If you are going to be cutting up log loads, the only way you will get a saw that will last would be going with a larger saw (Stihl 360 or larger) and spending a lot more money.

 

[snowleopard]

Here's the ad:

aged but it runs fine and one could find parts for this at a few places around town.
Since it has not gained much interest listed @ $200 We are lowering it to $150.
Model Number 024, 16 inch bar.
Call for quicker responses please.

I have been thinking about getting a log load (birch) and working that up, to be used with the standing dead aspen and cottonwood, little bit of spruce I have on my property. So most of its work would be `production line'. Based on what I've read here, I am steering towards taking a pass. Thanks very much for sharing the benefit of your experience.

 

[smokinj]

Here's the ad:

aged but it runs fine and one could find parts for this at a few places around town.
Since it has not gained much interest listed @ $200 We are lowering it to $150.
Model Number 024, 16 inch bar.
Call for quicker responses please.

I have been thinking about getting a log load (birch) and working that up, to be used with the standing dead aspen and cottonwood, little bit of spruce I have on my property. So most of its work would be `production line'. Based on what I've read here, I am steering towards taking a pass. Thanks very much for sharing the benefit of your experience.

No interest at 200.00 should be none at 150.00 either.

 

[Thistle]

Here's the ad:

aged but it runs fine and one could find parts for this at a few places around town.
Since it has not gained much interest listed @ $200 We are lowering it to $150.
Model Number 024, 16 inch bar.
Call for quicker responses please.

I have been thinking about getting a log load (birch) and working that up, to be used with the standing dead aspen and cottonwood, little bit of spruce I have on my property. So most of its work would be `production line'. Based on what I've read here, I am steering towards taking a pass. Thanks very much for sharing the benefit of your experience.

No interest at 200.00 should be none at 150.00 either.

+1 Nope.That's like spending a dollar to save a dime.

 

[snowleopard]

Words to the wise. Advice taken. Thanks very much--last thing I need is a boat anchor--no boat.

 

[JeffT]

If you are looking for a Stihl, you can probably get an MS180 for about that price, brand new. It is a lightweight easy saw and is nice for cleanup, limbing, and smaller (less than 10") logs. If you are going to be cutting up log loads, the only way you will get a saw that will last would be going with a larger saw (Stihl 360 or larger) and spending a lot more money.

+1.Just did a clean and fix on a 180 for a friends dad.He has had the saw since 2002 and I don't think he ever cleaned it.Replaced fuel line and cleaned out plugged up oiler.New bar,chain and sprocket and that little saw ran like a champ. That being said,for log loads you would want more firepower.

 

[Danno77]

Words to the wise. Advice taken. Thanks very much--last thing I need is a boat anchor--no boat.

I wouldn't worry about it being a boat anchor. I think i'd just worry that you are spending too much on it.

 

[Jutt77]

Hi folks,

Saw a CL chainsaw described as `aged, but you can still get parts', a Stihl 024 w/16" bar. Not looking for a big-guy saw, because I am neither. Any thoughts on this for a first (and maybe only) chainsaw? They were asking $150.

Thanks.

Jay would recommend that you get a 880

 

[Kenster]

I'd get the best new Stihl you can afford that SUITS YOUR NEEDS! Also, you might check with your local dealers for a good trade-in that they have reconditioned.

 

[Manatarms]

That seems a bit high priced for that saw. It would help out to know what do you want to cut and how much your budget is. There are lots of good saws out there.

 

[snowleopard]

Thanks, gents, for your replies.

And here I thought jay would recommend two 880's--one for each hand.

My needs:
*dropping/working up standing dead poplar on my property, or aging/diseased poplar and spruce that's gotta go--not too much of this, just the stuff around house/garage. Most of this isn't terribly big in diameter--most under 12-15";
*working up logging truckloads of green birch, again, mostly not too big;
*taking advantage of the occasional scrounge.

Budget-wise I was hoping to stay under $200 and buy from a local dealer who also services what he sells. And world peace.

So I've gotta ask: how can you have a pit bull OR two? reminds me of the old joke: how does a Newfoundlander count fish: one fish, two fish, another fish, another fish . . . but one dog, one dog, maybe two dogs . . . ?
Okay, if you've got a yard full and they move fast . . . or if one is circling the drain? I've got a 14 year-old good old girl that I regularly check to see if she's sleeping or dead (but then that's probably what she's doing with me when she shoves her nose in my forehead at 3 a.m. . . . )

 

[mywaynow]

If your just starting out, and like another poster mentioned, get a small homeowner grade saw. There is much to learn and develop with using a saw. Learn on a new cheaper saw and when you feel comfortable, in say a season or two, move to a saw that fits your needs. What you may envision doing now, may change considerably once you get both feet into this field. Right now my local Tractor Supply has a Poulan Wood Shark on sale for $99. Worst case scenario, you can lose $99. That used Stihl may need a rebuild or new bar or who knows. The homeowner saw will have safety features that may save a portion of your person if you make a bad choice while cutting. It is not much different than taking on Motorcycle riding. You don't go out and get the 900cc racing bike until you have ridden the 450 street bike for a few hundred hours. Bigger and Pro level saws won't be forgiving to the novice. Remember it is also not just the saw you have to learn, it is also wood behavior. In fact I would venture to say you will learn more about the proper methods to cutting by learning how limbs and trunks react when cut, than you will about how a saw acts in a fixed log.

 

[snowleopard]

Ended up buying a 346xp, and may have a little too much horse out in my corral (see other thread for pix). I've run chain saws in the past, but we're talking a lot of water under the bridge since then. May end up taking your advice, mywaynow, and picking up a lil' saw, and setting the 346 aside for awhile. Found someone who's selling cut-to-length for about the same price that I can get a logging load, so I'm going that route now. I've got time on my side, so will not rush into anything at this point.

Thanks again to all who took the time to share their experience and ideas.

 

[wendell]

I would suggest that the 346 is actually safer than a little saw as you will cut through the wood faster so you can pay attention to exactly what you are doing and not let your mind wander as you wait for an underpowered saw to plow through the wood.

Spend your little saw money on chaps!